Do and Don't: The Right Fixture Makes The Difference

I am not sure what shopkeepers are expecting when they place teeny tiny items on the floor. Do they expect customers to kneel down and browse through them?!

DO: Products are neatly displayed on a nesting table. Display strategies implemented make this set-up appealing. I did one project wherein I exchanged gondola units to nesting tables and their sales went up 37% without changing inventory. Amazing what fixture can do to sales!

DON'T: When merchandise is stacked atop one another in a glass unit, there is hardly anywhere the eye can stop. There are advantages to a glass unit such as allowing the light through the displays, however the one pet peeve I have about these units is when it looks like products are just crammed in. Very unappealing, where's the romance?

Do and Don't: The Power of Light

Ever wonder why some stores attract more customers while others have customers passing them by? The not so secret secret? Well-lit spaces! Bright areas attract the eye, hence hard to ignore. Well-lit stores often follow the ABC of lighting- A for the brightest spots which are the focal displays and task lighting including lease lines; B for framing the walls and floor units and C just spillover lighting.

DO: Wow, what a nice and enticing display upfront! I am sure its effective in getting passers-by to come in as well. Did I ever mention that the brightest stores tend to attract the most customers? Lighting the entrance, especially the main focal display is sure to grab attention.

DON'T: Who turned off the lights? Lighting the entrance is crucial not only in getting attention but also in defining the start of the store experience.

Do and Don't: Brand Names on Windows

Ever been tricked into entering a store thinking they'd have an item they really don't? Doesn't that just tick you off?! That's what happened to me in this 'don't' photo.

DO: Brand names attract customer attention. In this case, the Hunter brand is supported by the Hunter rain boots displayed immediately below the sign. This makes shopping easy by informing customers the shop has the brand and as one can immediately see, carries an assortment of Hunter merchandise.

DON'T: Where's the Crocs?! I made the mistake of thinking (as I am sure others were led to believe too) that Crocs now make these pretty wedged sandals displayed in the window.  I was anticipating these super comfy sandals but when I got inside, I was informed that these very sandals weren't made by Crocs. So why label the window Crocs? Maybe it was a trick to get me inside the shop to try them on? Well, as a trick to get me in, it worked, but what a disappointment!

Do and Don't: Which Sells Better?

There are so many display techniques and styles around but at the end of the day, I think the one that wins is the one that sells the most.

Which of these two display styles do you think will sell more?
DO: Each shelf is merchandised exactly the same way with small items flanking taller items creating a triangular effect. I prefer this display in that as customers shop, moving from left to right, they are offered a new product (still within the same category). Talk about silent multiple selling!

DON'T: This isn't really a don't, more of "can be improved". The good thing is that smaller items are placed eye level for easy visibility. However, the drawback is that more customers may purchase the smaller lower margin items than the large bottles displayed on the bottom shelf.

Do and Don't: When An Empty Space is A Wasted Opportunity

DO: A great focal display informs customers not only of what to expect inside the shop, but also makes a statement on price and value.

DON'T: A wasted focal display space! The statement this area is trying to make is incomplete and draws the eye to the wide empty wall space.

Do and Don't: Customers Pay Attention to Details

DO: This window display shows attention to detail. Everything is well laid out and the back graphics support the overall theme.

DON'T: Right across the mall hallway from the window shown above, is this window below. An otherwise beautiful window display is ruined by the backdrop. Do they think customers will not see this detail?! The implications do not stop here, what about supporting product values or rather, enhancing them?

Do and Don't: Worn and Torn

DO: Storefront or window signs are a great way to attract customer attention. Hence careful inspection of this for signs of wear and tear is a MUST. After all, this sets the customers' first impression of your store.

DON'T: Not only is this sign worn around the edges, there is a big hole right in the middle too!

Do and Don't: Is it Fall or is it Winter?

DO: A single idea is being sold to customers--- that it is winter and it is time to buy winter basics.

DON'T: Which season is it? Fall or the holidays?! This shop needs to sell only one idea at a time.